When it comes time to pick a new router, we have a wide range of choices and with all these technical terms making a decision can be hard. To help you make the right one, our specialists have analyzed three different ranges of routers that target different needs. Then, they recommended a model for each range considering their popularity and their evaluations.
Assess your needs
To be able to choose the right router, the first thing to do is to assess your needs by asking yourself the following questions: How many devices are connected to my network? What do I use the Internet for? What is my budget? Answering these questions will help you target the type of router that is appropriate to you.
If you only have a few devices and your Internet usage is limited to surfing the Web and checking your emails, an entry-level router is adequate and available for as low as $50. However, since it has a 2.4 GHz frequency band, you may experience connection problems if multiple routers operate in the area. This is because all wifi networks compete for the use of the same frequencies, which can cause a saturation of the 2.4 GHz band. If you live in a large building, you may experience this kind of situation and have problems with downloading your content.
In this case, a mid-range router with dual-band capacity, generally priced between $50 and $100, will provide you better stability. It will also suit your needs better if you have multiple devices connected to your network or if you download a lot of content (movies, TV shows, music, etc.) With an additional frequency band in the 5 GHz range, it can carry more data and doesn’t interfere with domestic appliances as much as the 2.4 GHz band. Then, with its 2.4 GHz band, you will have better range and greater performance traversing solid structures (such as brick walls).
Finally, if you need more features and higher performance, as is the case for professional and small business, you can turn to high-end routers that are sold between $100 to $500. This will provide you with a better throughput and optimal reach for all your connected devices.
Recommended models
After analyzing several models and different price ranges, our team has recommended the following models. They are easy to configure and can be ordered online, including at amazon.ca.
- Entry-level router: TP-Link TL-WR841N Wireless N300 priced at $24.99 (source: amazon.ca, dated December 18, 2017).
- Mid-range router: TP-Link AC1350 Dual Band Wireless Wi-Fi Router priced at $75.63 (source: amazon.ca, dated December 18, 2017).
- High-end router: NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router priced at $179.99 (source: amazon.ca, dated December 18, 2017).